Forests Struggle to Absorb Carbon Due to Human Impact, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study has revealed that the world’s forests are losing their ability to absorb carbon because of unstable conditions caused by human activities. Scientists have noted that dramatic changes in forests and other carbon-storing habitats are becoming more likely, with less carbon being absorbed by the ‘land carbon sink’ of trees, soil, and plants.
Impact of Rising Temperatures and Deforestation
The study highlights that rising temperatures, deforestation, and farming are affecting vulnerable landscapes, reducing their ability to recover and store carbon. This undermines global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Dr. Patrick McGuire, a climate scientist at the University of Reading, UK, co-authored the study, which was led by researchers from CREAF, Barcelona, and Antwerp University.
Vulnerable Regions
Dr. McGuire explained that large regions are at risk of sudden changes because their ecosystems’ ability to absorb carbon is destabilizing. For instance, forest fires in California, driven by dry and hot conditions, can turn forests into scrubland, reducing their carbon absorption capacity.
Unstable Carbon Storage
From 1981 to 2018, ecosystems worldwide experienced fluctuations in carbon absorption, increasing the risk of abrupt landscape changes. Regions with less forest cover and more cropland, such as the Mediterranean Basin, Southeast Asia, and the west coasts of North and Central America, are most at risk.
Global Variation
While some regions face abrupt changes, others like the Amazon and parts of Europe have consistent carbon absorption levels. However, the Amazon faces other climate threats, such as changes in rainfall patterns. These variations make it challenging to predict the global impact of carbon absorption schemes.
Dr. McGuire emphasized that ecosystems currently absorb about one-third of human-made carbon emissions. If this decreases, the natural ability to combat climate change weakens, necessitating faster reductions in human-made emissions.
Doubts Revealed
Carbon -: Carbon is a chemical element that is found in all living things. It is also a part of carbon dioxide, a gas that plants use to make food through photosynthesis.
Deforestation -: Deforestation is when people cut down trees in forests. This can happen to make space for farming or to use the wood for building.
Greenhouse gases -: Greenhouse gases are gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This can make the planet warmer, which is called global warming.
Mediterranean Basin -: The Mediterranean Basin is a region around the Mediterranean Sea, which includes parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is known for its unique climate and biodiversity.
Southeast Asia -: Southeast Asia is a region in Asia that includes countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It is known for its tropical climate and rich forests.
Amazon -: The Amazon is a large rainforest in South America, mostly in Brazil. It is one of the most important forests in the world for absorbing carbon and supporting wildlife.
